Entertainment

Planning Your Long Weekend: Top Events and Getaways for the 2026 UAE National Day Break

Published

5 minutes ago

September 28, 2026

Shorya

The UAE will be celebrating 55th Eid Al Etihad on the 2nd and 3rd of December 2026, which will be recognized as a public holiday in the country for the occasion. The break comes in the middle of the week meaning the residents can book leave days in conjunction with the recognised December holidays for an even longer break, while concerts, cultural festivals and outdoor pursuits are being offered around the Emirates.

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Abu Dhabi: Concerts, Culture and Yas Island

Abu Dhabi will be a focal point in the National Day break with entertainment solutions and Heritage experiences for families and visitors alike.

The highlight of the event will be Andrea Bocelli’s performance in Etihad Arena at Yas Island on December 2nd. The concert is part of the programme of Yasalam Classics and allows the music lovers to celebrate the holiday with an international concert.

Sheikh Zayed Festival 2026-27 Al Wathba is also on during the December holidays. Emirati heritage, international pavilions, entertainment, sports and cultural activities converge at the festival that kicks off on 30 October, and continues through 14 March 2027.

In Abu Dhabi, motorsport fans will continue to be treated to more than the festive season with the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix running at Yas Marina Circuit from 3rd to 6th December.

Dubai: Family Entertainment and City Experiences

For people who would still like to staycation in Dubai, there is a place that you can stay in the city. There’s the opportunity to take in seasonal highlights, waterfront restaurants and entertainment and enjoy the grubbier weather of December.

There are also cultural and entertainment attractions throughout the city and waterfront areas have opportunities for evening dining and celebrating National Day. Programmes are liable to change and should be viewed nearer to the holiday period when the time and day of events may be altered as well as the type of fireworks used.

Northern Emirates: Nature and Road Trips

If one wants to unwind, one can enjoy the mountain, beach and heritage in Hatta, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Khorfakkan. The cooler December conditions make these areas ideal for hiking, kayaking and outdoor sightseeing, as well as road trips.

Hatta is perfect for both short escapes and Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah will provide for mountain scenery and adventures. For those wishing to explore the coastal features and cultural attractions, Fujairah and Khorfakkan are alternative destinations.

Planning Your December Break

UAE National Day holidays being on Wednesday and Thursday, you can also take additional annual leave before or after this day, to make a longer holiday. Hotels should also be booked in advance, and popular events and gatherings on or around Yas Island should be booked early at that time when both events would take place; this is the same time when the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is held.